The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city as Zoruto stepped out of the hospital. The air was crisp and carried the faint scent of blooming flowers. For the past week, he had been under medical observation, and now, finally, he was heading home. The doctors had been astonished at how quickly his body had healed, but Zoruto wasn't sure whether to be relieved or uneasy.
As he walked down the street, Hiroshi and Miyuki emerged from a nearby café, their faces lighting up when they spotted him.
"Zoruto!" Miyuki's voice rang out with genuine relief. "You're out of the hospital! That's awesome!"
"Hey," Zoruto replied with a smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of fatigue. "Yeah, they let me go today."
Hiroshi slapped Zoruto on the back with a grin. "You're looking better than I expected. How are you feeling?"
Zoruto shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm okay. Just trying to get used to being back out here."
Miyuki linked her arm with Zoruto's as they walked together. "You're going to have to catch up on so much. People are still talking about you. There's this wild rumor that you're some sort of miracle for surviving that meteor crash."
Zoruto chuckled, trying to brush off the comment. "Miracle? More like dumb luck."
Hiroshi shook his head, his expression serious. "No, seriously. They're calling you a 'blessed human of God.' It's all over town. I guess people are really amazed that you survived."
"Sounds like people like to exaggerate," Zoruto said, trying to keep the conversation light. "It was a close call, but I'm just grateful to be okay."
The three friends continued down the street, their conversation shifting to lighter topics. They talked about the latest school gossip, the best places to eat in town, and the upcoming weekend plans. Zoruto listened with half an ear, his mind wandering back to the strange events of the past week.
"So, what's next for you?" Miyuki asked as they approached Zoruto's house.
"I'm not sure yet," Zoruto admitted. "I'm just trying to get back to normal. I guess I need to figure out what to do next."
"You should take it easy for a bit," Hiroshi said, concern evident in his voice. "You've been through a lot. Make sure to rest and take care of yourself."
Zoruto nodded, appreciating their concern. "I will. Thanks, guys."
As he said goodbye to his friends, Zoruto made his way inside his house. The familiar surroundings provided a small measure of comfort. He changed into his usual black hoodie and jeans, feeling a bit more like himself. The house was quiet, and he could hear the faint hum of the refrigerator and the distant sounds of traffic outside.
Sitting at the dining table, Zoruto prepared a simple meal—rice, vegetables, and a bit of chicken. As he ate, his thoughts kept drifting to the forest where the meteor had crashed. He had to find out what had happened there. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important he needed to uncover.
After finishing his meal, Zoruto decided to head back to the forest. He needed answers, even if the forest was currently sealed off. As he left the house, he felt a twinge of worry. The energy he had been experiencing was unsettling, and he didn't fully understand it. He hoped that the forest might provide some clues.
The journey to the forest was filled with a growing sense of anticipation. The evening sky had turned dark, and the chill in the air made Zoruto shiver slightly. When he reached the forest's edge, he saw the barriers and guards as expected. The area was heavily secured, and the "No Entry" signs were prominently displayed.
He approached the barriers, trying to ignore the growing frustration in his chest. "Hey, I need to get in there," he said to one of the guards. "I was there during the meteor crash. I need to see what's left."
The guard looked at him with a stern expression. "Sorry, kid. It's off-limits. Too dangerous. We've been instructed to keep everyone out."
"But I was there!" Zoruto insisted. "There might be something important. I need to find out."
The guard shook his head firmly. "No exceptions. The orders are clear."
Zoruto's frustration boiled over. "You don't understand. I have to go in!"
The guard's expression softened slightly. "Look, it's not up to me. I'm just following orders. If you really need to get in, you'll have to go through official channels."
Zoruto sighed deeply, realizing there was no way around it for now. "Fine. Thanks anyway."
As he turned away from the barriers, he felt a sense of defeat. The forest, which had once held the promise of answers, was now completely out of reach. He walked back home, feeling the weight of disappointment settle on his shoulders.
Back at his house, Zoruto felt restless. He paced around his room, trying to shake off the unease that had settled over him. He sat on his bed and looked at his hands,
His mind was troubled by thoughts of the mysterious symbol and its significance. The weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on him.
He reached out and touched the symbol on his hand, his curiosity piqued. Suddenly, a screen materialized in front of him with a soft "bling" sound.
Zoruto stared, wide-eyed and astonished, at the glowing screen.